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Expats in Asia – job market getting tougher

Why is the job market for western expats in Asia gradually becoming less available & heading towards becoming even harder despite low unemployment across the region and solid hiring across many sectors? It’s not as most would expect, coming from the Global Economic Crisis.

Simply stated, a larger number of locals across Asia, are now are much more than qualified to fill the majority of positions, though without the same experience, and increasingly, employers want or need Mandarin and/or Cantonese fluency. In addition, companies are trying to avoid the perceived extra expenses that may be associated with hiring foreigners — relocation costs, or housing or school fees, etc.

Expats already in Asia looking for new positions or those outside looking to come to Asia should be aware of the requirements and have a good understanding of the local cultures they may be exposed to working in Asia – as they are vastly different in each city as well as country.